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Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1929, Page 4

Tjik .successful activities of the police of late have been demonstrated in rather a remarkable manner by some notable arrests. It is something of a coincidence t.uu arrests of more than usual importance were effected in the four centres, almost simultaneously, which suggests that the force is as wide awake in one place as another. r l he detection of crime calls for constant and unremitting service. Unfortunately crime is perpetrated very frequently, and in the general rule by a skilled person more or less. Plans are laid with care no doubt, for crime when followed as something of a profession, as a means of livelihood, is not entered upon lightly, but with a full intention to deceive and decoy. It is only when the criminal makes a slip in liis scheme that clues are afforded. Tne clever cracksman hides Iris identity with unusual care as to details, but when the crime is being investigated there are those just as keen to unravel the mystery that clues are pi Iced up often in unexpected ways. The most unusual are those relating to finger prints, and many a crime is being traced through that means. In the late serious cases in l?ew Zealand the identity of the offenders was well hidden. It took a degree of perseverance on the part of the police to pick up the first clue necessary to follow up tlie offence to the final arrest. 3iut behind the perseverance there was organisation, and an intense period of watchfulness. The course of the criminal is not always immune, and the luck of the game is more against him than with him, when those on liis track are faithful in their duties. And that is just what has been happening of late 'l'he not had been well spread, and the police were zealous in their operations. No- doubt there is invariably a high degree of attention and intelligence in the search for crime, hut the results are not always realized. This does not suggest any lack of detail in the methods. There are many ciimos undetected, hut not for the want of attention. Then' Is still a notable mystery in the Auckland district. but from the publicity given tin' case, it has been manifest that the investigations ol the police have been most extensive and probably have not ceased yet. And so with many cases of lesser importance, the police are no less earnest in then desire to nil-

ravel the mysteries of these criminal arts. The force in this country Ims stood high in variably, and it is not improper at this juncture to recognise their services as a force, and to appreciate the degree of security their services must give the community hy their watchfulness and earnestness in the discharge of their onerous duties.

The “Guardian” will not he publishes! to-morrow (Christmas Day; or on iiiursday (Boxing Day).

'Pile Lake Kanieri iioat C’luh hold the first of two regattas on Lake Ivaiiieri to-morrow (Chrismas Day) commencing at 2 p.in. The second regatta will take place on Saturday afternoon next.

A fire occurred at Cohdeii about -I o’clock on Sunday morning, two unoccupied dwellings in Bright St, owned by .Mr J. Drake, being destroyed. The houses were old and dilapidated, and, it is understood were uninsured.

Advice has boon received at Greymouth that Mr Bert Frickleton, formerly of Blackball, was drowned at the- Bluff on Friday, where lie was engaged in the fishing industry. He was 31 years of age.

On Sunday, 2'Otli. December, the Railway Department is running an excursion train * from Greyniouth to Lake Mahinapua, particulars of which are advertised in another column. This will give visitors, also local residents, a splendid opportunity for a good day’s outing.

The Swimming Carnival at the municipal Baths will he a special attraction on Thursday (Boxing Day) night when the visiting Australian Swimmers, Messrs Ryan and Griffiths will give special displays, and an interesting racing programme will be run off.

In connection with the special dances being organised hy the Fred Smith Band of Christcliur h at the Soldiers’ Hall on Friday and Tuesday oi next week, arrangements have been made as usual, for the Hokitika Ladies’ Hockey Club to conduct the buffet where soft drinks and ices will he on sale, the surplus to go to the Ladies Club.

The County Council is arranging to control the parking of cars at the lakeside for the Lake Kanieri regatta tomorrow. An officer will he on duty and those wishing to park near the boat landing must conform to instructions. In addition there is a large area .or parking at Sunny Bight, the available area having been extended, while about a quarter of a mile beyond Slinky Bight there is another area in a lileasant hush retreat. There is also ample room for parking at Hall’s Bay, where the new hut has been erected. With the facilities now afforded there should be no occasion for any congestion. The parking officer will be at Lake Kanieri also on Saturday for the second day’s regatta.

The problem of Christmas gifts is easily solved if you shop at Ross’s Cycle, Sports and Music Depot. Make your gifts utility gifts. Ask to see our large selection of joy-cycles and cycles. —B.

Tlie 1 oc.nl event of the Christmas holidays is the Hokitika race meeting, set down for Thursday (Boxing Hay) The day is a general public holiday and a large attendance n ay be looked for. The Westland Racing Club has spared no effort in placing the course a’n I appointments in fitting condition, and patrons will find everything in lust class order. The meeting opens with the Maiden Handicap for which there are 18 acceptors. It will he necessary to run the race in two divisions witn so large a field, nine horses starting on each occasion. The totalisator opens once onlv, on the whole number of starters, and the dividends are paid on the winners of each division, the totalisator pool being divided as in a dead heat. The first race is set down for 12.15 o’clock, and events will be run punctually to time. Motor car drivers should observe carefully the rule of the road, and also the special traffic regulations imposed for race traffic.

To celebrate the opening of our new shop-windows, we have imported a fine selection of exclusive hats at usual price 69s 6d and over to be sold only at Schroder and Co. for 4os.—Also large selection of Cimmic Hats; you must and will he delighted at the moderate price. Visit Schroders Emporium early.—Advt.

What could he more suitable for a Xmas present than a good fountain pen? I have them from 3s 6d to 30s, every pen guaranteed and all parts kept in stock. Toohey’s Arcade.— Advt.

XToii! Wo have just landed thirty Covert Overcoats for Xmas Trade. These coats are guaranteed to give up to three years’ satisfactory service, and have been known to last careful men a period of five years. The style and shades are the very latest, while the •prices for these high quality overcoats should appeal to men who seen value and style for their money. Inspection invited.—lV. H. Stopforfh’s.— Advt.

A salad is not a salad without Sharlaml’s Vinegar Get it at your grocers —in bottle or bulk.—Advt.

The vinegar of quality—Sharland’s Vi negar. Its strong, piquant flavour, and absolute purity have made it popular everywhere. In hulk or bottle.— Advt.

-Men.—Here’s something worth knowing: Wo stock (U to 7) felt hubs. W. 11. Stopforth.—Advt.

» The Swimming Club notifies patrons that tickets for the swimming carnival on Boxing Night will be on sale at the Baths that day.

The order of Masses for to-morrow (Christinas Day) in St. Mary’s Parish is a-s follows:—Hokitika, 12 o’clock (midnight), 8 a.m., 8.31) a.m.; Kanin,m 8.30 a.m. ; Arahura 10 a.in. The Regatta- at Lake Kanieri tomorrow (Christmas Day) afternoon will commence at 2 n.m. An interesting speedboat programme has been arranged for. The Railway Department advertises in this issue train arrangements in con tie. tion with races at Omoto on 281.1 i December, Excursion to Lake Mahinapua on 29tn. December, and train arrangements for 3-Mlf. and 31st. December.

Lovers of dancing are assured of a good night’s entertainment on Boxing night when tile annual ball of tne Kanieri Tennis Club takes place. An added feature will bo the music of Fred Smith’s jazz band, which will be sure to draw a record crowd.— Advt.

The town bore a holiday appearance yesterday and to-day there being a large number of country people in the streets. The business people had a busy day yesterday and to-day the rush continues. The turnover in most of the shops is reported to be of a satisfactory nature.

The weather cleared yesterday evening and to-day the morning broke fine with a few clouds about and the hills look to have had a good fall clr snow. The barometer has been rising slowly hut steadily since yesterday morning and at noon, was 29.70, so that there is a prospect of fine weather for the holidays.

Messrs W. Weddell and Co. Ltd. advise, dated London 20th. reading: “Danish butter 170 s to 172 s (last week 176 s to 180 s), New Zealand Ist. unsaltccl 182 s to 181 s (180 s to 185 s), New Zealand salted 158 s to 162 s (160 s to 1645) market slow. New Zealand cheese white 89s to 90s (88s to 90s), New Zealand cheese, coloured 87s to 88s (87s to 88s) market steady. Canadian cheese, white 97s to 100 s, coloured S6s to 98s (96s to 98s).’’

The hearer bonds offered by the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Hokitika Branch) for the purpose of providing the balance of the funds for the completion of the Soldiers’ Hall, met with a ready demand, and have been taken up during the last two days. The executive of the local Association much appreciate the result of the offer, indicating as it does that there is a dennite demand to see the hall brought up to the necessary requirements of the town. The Executive is. grateful also for the very ready support offered by the public to the local enterprise.

The firebell rang out an alarm of fire about 9 o’clock this morning. The cause oi the alarm was the igniting of a small tub of clothes that were being washed in benzine in a washhouse at the residence of Mr F. B. Lewis, Sale Street. The tub was placed too near the copper fire and the fumes ignited. Neighbours pul It'd the tub into the yard the only damage being to the clothes contained in the tub. The Fire Brigade promptly reached the scene but their services were not required.

One of the most striking alterations in Revell Street of late is that made in the premises of Messrs F. C. Schroder and Co. drapers. The whole front was pulled down and in place thereof are now threo fine display windows, which have a very fine distinctive appearance. Large plate glass windows and tiled foundations make a very fine finish and has enabled the firm to display their fine stock to advantage. Inside the double shop has ample floor space to enable the stocks to bo shown to advantage. Electric light installation at night sets forth the “Dhole of the premises, the whole making a very fine display, which has been the subject of much favorable comment.

In the Matron’s office at the Westland Hospital this morning occurred one of those happy little incidents that truly makes “Life worth living.” Hr Baird on behalf of the nursing staff in a few fitting remarks presented to George Davidson, Esq., J.P.. a gold wristlet watch with hearty good wishes and the season’s greetings. The small assemblage broke into song with the time-hon-oured “He’s a jolly good fellow,” and so he is. Xo one knows except those intimately associated with the J'nstitution the numerous kindnesses this nature’s gentleman shows to gentle and simple , the long year through. Mr Davidson briefly, though feelingly, thanked them for their thoughtfulness and goodwill.

For the three difficult sizes in men’s felt fiats, namely (IJ-, 7g, and 71, enquire W. 11. Stopforth’s.—Advt.

Opened to-day at Addisons, exquisite Bedspreads, Round Cushion Covers, 'Fable Centres, Supper Cloths, pale blue and pink crib Blankets. Inspection invited. —Advt.

Shopping those dayj is a pleasure and it is surrpising when buying gifts for the family how far your money goes when shopping at Paterson’s. A special selection of the newest, popular, practical and useful gifts that will - he appreciated at the keenest of prices. —Advt,